REVIEW: RUN NORWICH 2016

THE NORWICH City Community Sports Foundation’s (CSF) ‘Run Norwich’ event made a triumphant return to the city on Sunday, with thousands of runners taking to the streets for the 10-kilometre road race.

Hot temperatures and strong winds did their best to make things difficult for the field, but spurred on by enthusiastic support from thousands of spectators 4,237 runners finished the race.

The event, sponsored this year by Norwich Business Improvement District, was founded in 2015 with the aim of raising funds for local charities, attracting visitors to the city centre and boosting participation in running.

Over £70,000 was raised for the Community Sports Foundation and chosen race charities Norfolk Accident Rescue Service, Age UK Norwich and Nelson’s Journey in 2015, and the total is expected to surpass that this year.

Among those lending their support for the Foundation’s run were representatives from Norwich City Football Club including goalkeeper John Ruddy, defender Ryan Bennett, club chairman Ed Balls and board members Thomas Smith and Michael Wynn-Jones.

City joint majority shareholder and local icon Delia Smith was given the honour of starting the race.

The route took competitors past a number of city centre landmarks including The Forum, the Castle and Carrow Road – and new this year, the chance to run through the historic Cathedral Close.

CSF Director Ian Thornton was delighted with the run, which he called ‘a significant event’ for the city.

He said: "The tweaks to the route and the revised starting structure, allowed an extra thousand runners to enjoy the race, and the addition of the Cathedral Close to the route was stunning.

"Emotions were high on the finish line. Triumph, tears, you name it – right from the first place to the very last. You could see how much it meant to everyone. Credit must go to them, particularly those raising money for charity. I hope they wear their medals with pride."

He praised the support and hard work of race partners, sponsors and volunteers, adding: "There are so many individuals and organisations we are indebted to – the 300 volunteers who supported on the day, our race technical team and of course, our partner organisations The Forum, Visit Norfolk, Norwich BID, Norwich City Council and Norwich City Football Club.

"This was only the second Run Norwich we have put on, so we will be contacting our runners shortly for their feedback to help us make year’s event even better."